N.C. Senate votes to increase abortion waiting period

RALEIGH – The North Carolina Senate voted Monday evening to extend the waiting period required to have an abortion from 24 to 72 hours. It also requires that abortion providers be medically trained to perform abortions and clarifies that abortion clinics will be inspected every year.

Supporters of the measure say it gives women time to make a more informed decision, while ensuring that their providers are specialists and the facilities are safe. Opponents say it limits access to abortions. The measure now goes to the House, where lawmakers passed a version of it in April.